Digest
March, 2020 - Vacuum Trucks can Catch Fire and Explode! — Process Safety Beacon, March 2020
March, 2020 - Vacuum Trucks can Catch Fire and Explode! — Process Safety Beacon, March 2020
- CCPS
- Digest
- Process Safety Beacon March 2020
- ExplosionHot Work and FireProcess SafetyVehicles and Driving
- ExplosionFireHazardous substancesStatic electricity
- Fluid transfer
- Ignition source controlPermit to workStop-work authority
- Onshore facility
Summary
This bulletin describes a vacuum truck explosion at a Californian wastewater facility involving incompatible substances, followed by fires and evacuations. It explains flammable vapour and static electricity hazards during vacuum collection, and highlights permit completion, material compatibility checks, grounding and bonding, and separation of vent discharge from ignition sources.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Static electricity; electrostatic discharge.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
One-page Beacon on fire and explosion hazards when vacuum trucks handle flammable materials.
Process Safety Beacon March 2020. Themes: explosion, hot work and fire, process safety, vehicles and driving.